About Me

I started reading books written for young adults when I was about 8 and I’ve never stopped. Fortunately I’ve managed to parlay this into a career which, while not exactly “lucrative,” is a hell of a lot of fun. I’m a middle and high school librarian at a girls’ private school near Boston, and I love (almost) every minute.

I read a wide range of middle grade and YA to keep up with my students’ interests, but I’m especially partial to YA science fiction and speculative fiction. I grew up on a steady diet of dystopias long before they were trendy, and they made me the lefty environmentalist I am today. I’m interested in the writing, but even more in what the stories say about the world and how they fit into the larger context of YA and children’s literature. I try to review everything I read here, at least briefly.

I also blog about the future of information, education, and the library profession. Phrases virtually guaranteed to set off a tirade include: “digital natives,” “No Child Left Behind,” and “Wait, why do we need librarians anymore? We have Google.”

I’ve owned this domain since 1999, which makes me an official Old Lady of the Internet. At first it was a “web journal” of the passive-aggressive angst of my early twenties. Since 2006 or so it’s been the “YA reviews and geekery” blog you see today. Welcome! I hope you’ll stick around, leave a comment, start a discussion.

You can reach me at sam at parenthetical dot net.

Review policy: I review YA and older MG fiction. I tend towards science fiction, realistic “girl” fiction, and historical fiction. Please email me if you’d like to me to consider reviewing your book — I love being asked to review things, but I’ll feel guilty if you just send me an unsolicited ARC and then I don’t get around to reading it. I’m also happy to read via NetGalley, if there’s something you’d like me to take a look at. Thanks for getting in touch!

8 Responses to About Me

I hope that you remember me. We did an interview a while ago and were paired for a few things. I had a few questions for you but I have lost your email and cannot find it on here. If you could email me so I can ask you the questions I would be very appreciative.
I love the new blog by the way. It is beautiful.

Thanks, Allegra! Of course I remember you and would be happy to answer your questions. :) My email is on this page, it’s just written out so it won’t get picked up by spambots: sam at parenthetical dot net. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!

My mom was a middle school (San Diego, CA) and high school (Memphis, MO) librarian for years. She also spent a few years in a public library before completing her M.A. in Library Science. She LOVED her job, and she LOVED books for kids. She made me the reader/writer/teacher/mother I am today.

Librarians ROCK! Especially librarians who work to connect to students and make them readers and researchers. My hat (imaginary) is off to you!

I love your web site and believe you’d love my YA fiction novel recently released by Penguin. I’m going on my tenth year as a middle school teacher and penned “Secret Saturdays” to add something great to our library’s shelves. The loads of love from youth across the nation who say it’s their favorite has landed me on NBC and other major appearances. If you’re interested, a review copy is your’s. Just indicate the best mailing address :)

Disclaimer

The opinions here are mine, and do not necessarily reflect those of my school. Also, even when I review books for younger kids, these posts are written for older teens and adults. In other words, I swear sometimes. Don't get upset.